FODetect®

Overview

Foreign objects that find their way onto airport surfaces jeopardize the safety of both the aircraft and its passengers, causing billions of dollars of damage every year. Ground crew teams are currently responsible for finding these objects, but the manual inspection process is time consuming, restricts runway availability, is subject to human error, and provides no coverage between inspections.

FODetect is an automated system that provides continuous monitoring with high-resolution and high-speed detection of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on critical aircraft operating areas. The FODetect system can be installed anywhere from the smallest local airport to the largest commercial or military airfields. It implements a five-point process designed to continuously monitor for FOD, reduce FOD incidents, and improve the airport’s safety record.

SAIC selected its Atlanta-based subsidiary Varec, Inc. to manufacture, test, install, and support SAIC-implemented FODetect systems.

Features

Smart Sensors – FODetect Surface Detection Units (SDUs) utilize existing edge light infrastructure to minimize installation costs and convert existing runways or taxiway edge lights into smart edge light sensors. The system is capable of rapidly scanning an entire runway/taxiway between aircraft movements and providing excellent detection resolution.

Dual Technology – Surface Detection Units combine a millimeter-wave radar sensor and an optic sensor with NIR illumination and advanced image processing software to help detect, locate and identify FOD in practically all flight-approved weather conditions – even during snow events.

Automatic Operator Alerts – Each smart SDU continuously scans a portion of the aircraft operating areas and analyzes the data locally to detect foreign objects. In cases of positive detection, the FODetect system operator receives an audio and visual alert.

FOD Imagery – FODetect system software allows the operator real-time interrogation, imagery, and classification of detected FODs. The software also provides the operator precise location and size of detected debris. The SDU includes a built-in laser line generator for highlighting FOD locations, assisting ground crews to efficiently remove the debris in reduced visibility conditions and at night.

The Automated FODetect Process

Step 1: Scan and Detect – Each SDU continuously scans a section of the runway, taxiway, or intersection using radar and advanced image processing technologies.

Step 2: Alert – Upon FOD detection, an audio/visual alarm showing the FOD's location is raised at the operator console.

Step 3: Interrogate and Classify – The operator views a high-resolution image and receives FOD physical data (e.g., size, location) supporting a decision to take action.

Step 4: FOD Removal – An operations vehicle is sent to clear the FOD. GPS coordinates and laser assist in efficient removal.

Step 5: Document and Tag – FOD data and actual images are archived and FOD is tagged.

Benefits

• FODetect's distributed system design provides airfield operators with continuous awareness and efficient coverage of FOD hot spots or entire runways
• Combined radar and optics technology cuts through snow, rain, or other harsh weather or low-visibility conditions to provide rapid detection of objects between aircraft movements
• FOD-ID offers the unique ability to identify the vehicle that dropped the FOD or source of the debris
• FODetect detects static wildlife on the runway and allows for identification of the species via high-resolution imagery
• Scaleable solution provides a means for incremental installation in line with airport operations or annual budgetary requirements

FODetect System Components

FODetect is a distributed system consisting of Surface Detection Units (SDUs) installed across the airfield that communicate with the Analysis and Control Center (ACC) system server via hardwired fiber optic or wireless communications. One or more System Operator Consoles (SOCs) are then networked to the ACC server to provide an operator interface for daily monitoring and operations.

FODetect System Server and Operator Console Network
The ACC and associated server peripherals are located in a secure location onsite, such as a vault or IT equipment room. The Windows-based server provides data to one or more SOCs across a localized network. It is also capable of connecting securely to an airport wide network, so that SOCs can be located in multiple, distributed locations, such as the air traffic control tower or ground service operator offices, providing quick views for operational reference.

FODetect Surface Detection Unit
The SDU contains a small, 77 Ghz millimeter-wave radar system combined with an advanced imaging Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) video camera. Installed along the edge-lit travel zones, such as a runway or intersection, each SDU is configured to rapidly scan its assigned field of view (typically 180 degrees). The CCD camera is infrared-enabled to allow for night use, while the radar provides additional visibility in all weather conditions. The use of both sensors provides a system that is operational in all flyable weather conditions and greatly improves the probability of rapid FOD detection. Existing edge light infrastructure power and communications is utilized to reduce installation costs and convert it into a smart monitoring and detection system.

FODetect Software
Each System Operator Console (SOC) provides intuitive software that allows operators to monitor surface viewpoints, control cameras, and identify and locate FOD. Location assistance helps the operator guide operations personnel to efficiently remove the FOD. Comments can be added regarding the alert and disposition of the FOD; these are then archived with all images and location data for future reference.

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